This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, offers analysis, commentary, and reportage about the $4.9 billion project to build the Barclays Center arena and 16 high-rise buildings at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park in 2014 after the Chinese government-owned Greenland Group bought a 70% stake in 15 towers. New York State still calls it Atlantic Yards. Contact: AtlanticYardsReport[at]hotmail.com

Friday, June 12, 2015

As the saying goes, "News is what people want to keep hidden and everything else is publicity."

So two sunny mentions of the Brooklyn Nets and Forest City Ratner, press releases dutifully reproduced in the low-barrier-to-entry Brooklyn Daily Eagle, qualify as publicity.

“Forest City Ratner Companies is not only in the business of creating new dynamic neighborhood destinations, we are deeply committed to supporting and amplifying the existing city fabric by making important investments in local communities," developer Bruce Ratner said in a press release regarding the company's day of service.

And, rather, news comes from Atlantic Yards Watch, where before-hours work on the Barclays Center green roof, banging at 5:30 a.m., is described in a video:

(City work hours M-F are supposed to start at 7 a.m., unless there's a special permit, and there's been no announcement of the latter.)